[Not Dave]

Hey all:

I have had my X3 for a few weeks now and I just love it. But one thing that is clearly missing is a way to attach a bike rack that can handle up to three bikes. I think getting a hitch is the way to go.

The BMW hitch system cost, for both parts and labor, smacks of highway robbery to me. So I'm seriously thinking about going the Execuhitch route. It's still pricey, but I think I might be able to save at least a few bucks.

Another alternative would be trunk-fastened carriers, but...no, I really don't want to risk scratching the paint in any way.

So what do you think? What's the most cost-effective approach?

[exilio]

I have yet to get my X3, but I will be in the market for a bike rack as well once mine arrives.

My buddy, who is a far more serious bike rider than myself, swears by these bike racks; he drives an Audi Q5.

https://www.1upusa.com/

[Ranger 6]

I've got a Thule 3 bike rack which is very good. I was however lucky that the previous owner specified the BMW hitch when they bought the car.....

[Jedclampet]

See www.etrailer.com Takes an hour to install with basic hand tools.

[Not Dave]

The etrailer option looks like it could work, but I'll confess to being really really paranoid about damaging anything. I am NOT the most mechanically inclined person out there.

But any decent body shop should be able to slap this on, right?

One other question: Will this hitch interfere with the rear gate opening sensor near the back bumper? I'd hate to see it become useless.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Not Dave

Hey all:

I have had my X3 for a few weeks now and I just love it. But one thing that is clearly missing is a way to attach a bike rack that can handle up to three bikes. I think getting a hitch is the way to go.

The BMW hitch system cost, for both parts and labor, smacks of highway robbery to me. So I'm seriously thinking about going the Execuhitch route. It's still pricey, but I think I might be able to save at least a few bucks.

Another alternative would be trunk-fastened carriers, but...no, I really don't want to risk scratching the paint in any way.

So what do you think? What's the most cost-effective approach?

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Why is the trailer hitch for post 4/2014 build date X3s almost double the price at ~$1200 versus pre 4/2014 build dates at ~$600?

[tuatua]

Originally Posted by Not Dave

The etrailer option looks like it could work, but I'll confess to being really really paranoid about damaging anything. I am NOT the most mechanically inclined person out there.

But any decent body shop should be able to slap this on, right?

One other question: Will this hitch interfere with the rear gate opening sensor near the back bumper? I'd hate to see it become useless.

A friend & I installed a Curt hitch in 3 hours. A body shop can probably do the job in half the time or less. The hitch does not interfere with the rear hatch sensor. This was a nice $150 solution to the bike rack issue.

[temoore48]

Local welding / hitch place, $330 installed. Works great.

[kevink1]

If you just install a hitch for a bike rack, do you still have to worry about reprogramming? Or is that only for a tow package with wiring (so backup sensors/cameras understand)?

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Why is the trailer hitch for post 4/2014 build date X3s almost double the price at ~$1200 versus pre 4/2014 build dates at ~$600?

Anyone know if the OEM Tow Package is possible as a port install option?

[tuatua]

Originally Posted by kevink1

If you just install a hitch for a bike rack, do you still have to worry about reprogramming? Or is that only for a tow package with wiring (so backup sensors/cameras understand)?

I didn't reprogram. With the bike rack installed and bikes on the rack, I can still get a good view with the backup camera. However, the park distance control will alarm continuously while you're in reserve because it "sees" the bikes. I'm in reverse such a short period of time, it doesn't bother me.

If I understand it correctly, you would have to have the wiring package installed for the coding to work. When you carried bike, you would plug in a dummy load (resistor) into the wiring so the car would think there was a trailer behind it.

[creshando]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

Anyone know if the OEM Tow Package is possible as a port install option?

I asked my CA this question a couple days ago and he told me that for the X3, it's a dealer installed option only.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by creshando

I asked my CA this question a couple days ago and he told me that for the X3, it's a dealer installed option only.

Hrm. I wonder if anyone has installed this themselves. I'm not keen on paying dealer labor rates if this install is not complicated.